- as house break ins, burglary and stock theft incidents rise in Tutume
House break ins, burglary and stock theft top the list of the criminal cases in Tutume District, with authorities attributing the high figures to police being thin on the ground.
Tutume Council Chairperson Tabona Masole has revealed that as he moved around the district addressing kgotla meetings, village leadership raised concern of criminals tormenting and terrorizing people through house break ins, burglary and stock theft particularly of cattle and goats.
“Without safe communities, no economy can thrive,” Masole said during a full council meeting held in Tutume this week.
He strongly called for the Botswana Police Service to step up their operations in the district, to ensure security and safety to its residents.
“Law enforcements agencies need to be intentional and proactive in combating this challenge. I call for visible surveillance measures such as regular patrols, stop and search operations and road checks. I request my advice be taken seriously and I expect to see results within the next three months”, pleaded the council chairperson.
According to him, the level of policing thus far seems to be negligible concluding that the police approach to the problem is far from effective. “This delay also places whistle blowers at risk, as they become concerned about their safety”, continued the chairperson.
While criminals wreak havoc, human and wildlife conflict rages on within the district with 314 incidents have been reported in this past quarter.
“Human and wildlife conflict is still prevalent in our district leading to significant economic losses for farmers and communities. It is also a financial strain on Government through compensation for damages incurred.”
Of the 314 incidents reported, the chairperson revealed that 213 of them were compensated at a total sum of P333 371. 25.
Tutume sub region is the largest in the 10 sub regions of the Central region, as it stretches from Mafhungo- Hubona in the East, to Gweta in the West and Maitengwe in the North.
